Kina Gbezhgomi Child & Family Services

In January 1984, the initiation of a process to develop a Native Child Welfare Agency was supported at the UCCM General Assembly. In March 1984, a proposal entitled “Our Children, Our Responsibility” was submitted by Chief Joseph Hare indicating guidelines for the establishment of a Care and Maintenance Program for Indian children under the auspices of the United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin (UCCM). An initial Native Child Welfare Committee was formed that included representation from Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND), Union of Ontario Indians, the Children’s Aid Society of the Districts of Sudbury and Manitoulin, the Ministry of Community and Social Services, and the United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin whom initiated a 5-year development plan.